NSW Swifts started their trans-Tasman netball season like they had something to prove, and they did so in emphatic fashion with a 57-42 win over Melbourne Vixens in Sydney.
The identity of the victor was perhaps expected, but it was the size of the margin that was surprising.
The Swifts suffered a painful last-gasp defeat in last year's season decider, but their early season form suggests they are more than capable of going a step further this campaign.
The hosts had a massive 31-18 lead at halftime following a dominant opening where their movement and pace was too much for an opponent who normally provides stiff opposition.
"I felt our control of the ball and speed of the ball was the most pleasing thing about our game," said Swifts' coach Rob Wright.
"First week can often be a scrappy affair at times, and a bit up and down, but that wasn't the case.
"I expected it to be a tight affair, and never thought this (a large winning margin) would happen today.
"They (Vixens) are a good side, and whenever you come up against them you never know what you are going to get (out of the game).
NSW were the supporting act in last season's dramatic last-minute grand final win for the Queensland Firebirds, but Wright said thoughts of redemption are not a focus for his side.
"We are just trying to make sure we are better than last year, and I think this match showed we are going in the right direction, but now we have to back it up in the coming weeks."
Swifts' Goal attack Susan Pettitt led the way, scoring 33 goals from 40 attempts for the Swifts, while Caitlin Thwaites contributed 21 from 27.
At the other end, Karyn Bailey scored 20 from 24 for the Vixens, while teammate Alice Teague-Neeld netted 17 from 22, but trademark high-energy defending from Sharni Layton ensured the visitors struggled to gain any momentum in attack.
The Swifts boasted a 16-9 lead at the first interval, and even at that early stage it appeared there would only be one winner.
Most of the damage for the Swifts was self-inflicted with Abbey McCulloch taken off following a nasty head clash with teammate Sharni Layton, while substitute Stephanie Wood was also forced to exit the arena with a possible knee injury.
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